Cop accused of beating Waukegan police chief

Waukegan Police Chief Artis Yancey suffered serious facial injuries when he was beaten by a North Chicago police officer who found him in his estranged wife's house, authorities said today.

Carl Sain, 45, who lives in Waukegan, was charged with aggravated battery and aggravated assault for allegedly beating Yancey last week with his fists and a semi-automatic handgun, according to authorities.

Lake County State's Atty. Michael Waller said Sain's wife also lives in Waukegan and that the couple is in the process of getting divorced. Yancey and the woman are friends, he said. The alleged attack occurred around 11:30 p.m. on June 17.

Sain knocked on his wife's door and when she wouldn't answer he smashed a front window, unlocked the door and ran upstairs where he encountered Yancey, Waller said.

"He knocked him to the ground and repeatedly punched him with his fist" and handgun, Waller said. "The chief suffered some serious injuries to his face."

Waller said Yancey was alone in a bedroom and that the suit he was wearing was blood splattered. Sain's wife, he said, called 911.

Yancey was treated and released at a hospital.

"He needs some surgery. He'll be fine," said Waller, adding that Yancey suffered fractured bones around his eyes.

The North Chicago Police Department placed Sain on administrative leave. He remains free on bond.